
The Norwegian Method Podcast
A podcast presented by Santara Technology, featuring Olav Aleksander Bu and hosted by Dr David Lipman discussing the Norwegian method in depth as it pertains to age group triathletes seeking to qualify or already qualified for the world championships.
Latest episodes

Jun 20, 2024 • 59min
Kristian Blummenfelt - 2024 Recap & Olympics Preview
Kristian and David catch up to discuss the year that has been, Kristian’s thoughts on Paris and what the games may hold. They discuss testing, training and being in Bergen.
(00:00) Introduction
(02:36) What does being from Bergen mean?
(03:58) Does Kristian take Strength from Adversity?
(05:27) Kristian’s Shirt and his Motto
(05:58) Kristian’s Reflections on Racing in Yokohama & Cagliari
(10:56) How is Kristian’s Body Feeling?
(12:00) How much Run Volume is Kristian Currently Doing?
(12:47) Fatigue and Lactate
(14:12) What went through Kristian’s Mind with Overinflated Tyres in Cagliari?
(15:35) What was Kristian’s Mindset on the Run in Cagliari?
(19:40) How is Kristian Feeling about the Olympics?
(21:13) What does Kristian do Following Disappointing Races?
(22:50) Debriefing Cagliari and Yokohama with Olav
(23:46) What Changes Will Kristian Make for the Olympics now?
(24:34) Kristian’s Track Sessions and Altitude
(25:10) What does Kristian do to Manage Stress and Destress?
(26:10) What’s it like being in Bergen?
(27:06) What is Gustav’s Role in Training with Kristian now?
(27:51) Has Kristian left Anything Horrible in his Fridge whilst Travelling?
(29:10) Does Kristian Enjoy Alone Time?
(30:30) Does Kristian Enjoy Cooking his Own Food?
(31:40) Does Kristian Enjoy Training in Bergen?
(34:08) Who Trains with Kristian in Bergen?
(35:33) Why Does Kristian Invite Younger Triathletes to Train with him?
(37:18) Training with Headphones in During Training
(37:50) What is Kristian’s Testing Like?
(40:12) Learnings from Testing
(42:48) Does Kristian Enjoy Tinkering with Training?
(45:14) What are Kristian’s Thoughts Around how the Olympics will go?
(51:30) Kristian’s Thoughts on the Potential of the Swim Being Cancelled
(52:20) Would Kristian Prefer the Event Moved or Have no Swim?
(53:20) Water Quality Concerns and Swim Familiarity Utilisation for Pros
(54:24) Impacts of Course Changes on Dynamics of the Race
Join the Santara Tech Clubhouse for exclusive events, content and partner deals. Go to https://www.santaratech.com/membership to register.
Thanks to the sponsors of the Norwegian Method Podcast:
Maurten
To benefit from the one-time code and get 20% off your next purchase on Maurten.com, simply enter the code “TNMSeason2” at the checkout (Valid until 9/30/2024. The code is applicable on all products except Maurten Bicarb System).
Website - www.maurten.com
Instagram - @maurten_official
YouTube - Maurten Official - YouTube
Plasmaide
Experience the benefits of PLASMAIDE for yourself, use the code “TRI20” online to get 20% off your next purchase
Website - https://plasmaide.co.uk/
Instagram - @plasmaide
YouTube - @plasmaide
VO2Master
Website – https://vo2master.com/
Instagram - @VO2Master
YouTube - @VO2Master
Graphic Design by Georgia Humphreys
Video by Roj Ferman
Introduction by Santara Studios
Produced and Edited by David Lipman

Jun 13, 2024 • 46min
Kristian Blummenfelt - Training
Episode 2 of this season sees David talk with Kristian all about his training, the changes since Kona to prepare for Paris and his travel habits. They discuss race choice, some lesser known competitors for Paris and Kristian’s future race plans.
(00:00) Introduction
(02:37) How has Training Changed from Kona For the Return Short Course?
(05:25) Kristian’s Bike Position, Specificity and Different Races?
(07:50) Racing When not in Peak Condition
(09:53) How is Kristian Feeling for the Year?
(11:23) The Lead into Tokyo Olympics
(14:41) Are Proportions of Disciplines the Same for Short and Long Course?
(16:03) Training Modification Decisions
(16:55) Is Kristian’s Swim/Run Focus as a Result of his Weaknesses or his Competitors Strengths?
(18:23) Where’s Kristian’s Mindset for the Olympics?
(20:36) Kristian’s Thoughts on Who Some Lesser Discussed Competitors may be
(22:27) How does Kristian Choose Races to do?
(24:50) Training Load vs Racing Load in Short Distance Triathlon for Kristian
(26:26) Strategic Use of Caffeine
(28:37) What is the Review Process Post Race or Season like?
(31:36) Does Kristian Decide on Shoes to Wear in Training or is there a Discussion with Olav about this?
(32:20) How has Travel Been Without Gustav?
(33:54) What’s the Most Number of Flights Kristian has Taken in a Week?
(36:58) Advice for People Travelling?
(37:51) Will Kristian do any Short Course Racing after the Olympics?
(38:57) Will Kristian Continue Racing Short Course in the Future?
(39:37) How was Winning Singapore T100 Race?
(43:40) Does Kristian Enjoy Pressure?
(45:20) What’s next for Kristian?
Join the Santara Tech Clubhouse for exclusive events, content and partner deal. Go to https://www.santaratech.com/membership to register.
Thanks to the sponsors of the Norwegian Method Podcast:
Maurten
To benefit from the one-time code and get 20% off your next purchase on Maurten.com, simply enter the code “TNMSeason2” at the checkout (Valid until 9/30/2024. The code is applicable on all products except Maurten Bicarb System).
Website - www.maurten.com
Instagram - @maurten_official
YouTube - Maurten Official - YouTube
Plasmaide
Experience the benefits of PLASMAIDE for yourself, use the code “TRI20” online to get 20% off your next purchase
Website - https://plasmaide.co.uk/
Instagram - @plasmaide
YouTube - @plasmaide
VO2Master
Website – https://vo2master.com/
Instagram - @VO2Master
YouTube - @VO2Master
Graphic Design by Georgia Humphreys
Video by Roj Ferman
Introduction by Santara Studios
Produced and Edited by David Lipman

Jun 10, 2024 • 8min
Introducing the Mind Set Win Podcast
If you're seeking more content from Kristian or Olav, they were recently guests on Red Bull's Mind Set Win Podcast. The podcast, hosted by Lisa Ramuschkat, is focussed on unlocking the mental fitness tactics of elite sports professionals and high performance personas.
To find the podcast search "Mind Set Win" in your favourite podcast player or follow the link below.
Link to the podcast:
https://open.spotify.com/show/4Xbvd0P5iuOlZpL0G6PXfO?si=ibXs1nLVTX6E5aN6vNefOg

Jun 6, 2024 • 43min
Kristian Blummenfelt - Success, Legacy and Triathlon in general
In the first episode of season 2 David and Kristian talk about how Kristian sees himself in Triathlon and Norway, how he got to where he is and what he thinks of legacy. They touch on last year, preparation for the Olympics, changes Kristian has made for Paris and pressure.
(00:00) Introduction
(01:18) How does Kristian feel about being grouped with Gustav so frequently?
(02:42) How does Kristian feel about his impact on Norway as a country?
(05:11) Inspiring the next generation of Norwegian triathletes
(06:44) Why did Kristian choose triathlon?
(11:46) Who pushed Kristian towards triathlon?
(12:38) Did Kristian love triathlon or just winning when he started?
(13:21) Kristian’s thoughts on success in sport for himself
(14:30) Did Kristian ever consider open water swimming?
(15:41) How does Kristian think of legacy?
(16:32) What would winning Paris mean for Kristian?
(17:45) What is more important to Kristian; proving he could win the Olympics again or coming back down?
(20:32) The factors driving success in longer distance endurance events at younger ages.
(21:55) What has Kristian removed from his life to help cope better with training load?
(23:10) Who is in Kristian’s team?
(26:02) Does Kristian feel the pressure of all the people in his team?
(27:57) What role does the stoic environment in Sierra Nevada play for Kristian?
(29:58) Was being off the pace last year concerning?
(32:49) Why did Kristian want to do the PTO/middle distance races last year?
(33:30) What Kristian find most important in training for the Olympics
(35:58) How is Kristian’s training going?
(38:39) How do Kristian & team decide on testing frequency?
(39:24) What does an offseason look like for Kristian?
(40:26) Where does Kristian spend his offseasons?
(40:52) How many weeks a year does Kristian spend in Bergen?
(41:40) Does Kristian feel like he’s always under pressure to win and does he think that’s fair?
Join the Santara Tech Clubhouse for exclusive events, content and partner deal. Go to https://www.santaratech.com/membership to register.
Thanks to the sponsors of the Norwegian Method Podcast:
Maurten
To benefit from the one-time code and get 20% off your next purchase on Maurten.com, simply enter the code “TNMSeason2” at the checkout(Valid until 9/30/2024. The code is applicable on all products except Maurten Bicarb System).Website - www.maurten.comInstagram - @maurten_officialYouTube - Maurten Official - YouTube
Plasmaide
Experience the benefits of PLASMAIDE for yourself, use the code “TRI20” online to get 20% off your next purchase
Website - https://plasmaide.co.uk/
Instagram - @plasmaide
YouTube - @plasmaide
VO2Master
Website – https://vo2master.com/
Instagram - @VO2Master
YouTube - @VO2Master
Graphic Design by Georgia Humphreys
Video by Roj Ferman
Introduction by Santara Studios
Produced and Edited by David Lipman

10 snips
Mar 14, 2024 • 1h 8min
Your Questions Answered
David and Olav go through a list of your questions submitted. For those not answered please keep an eye out for upcoming events where we will answer more.
(00:57) Episode Starts
(01:22) What Does Olav do when his Athletes are Sick and How Much Fitness is lost in a week or 2 of Missed Training?
(5:09) How does Olav Account for Different Stressors of Different Intensity Domains?
(10:42) Why does Kristian use his Heart Rate Monitor off to the side?
(11:36) How does Fueling Strategy Differ between Olympic Distance Racing and Ironman Racing with Respect to Caffeine?
(18:24) Does Olav Target Different Weights for Different Races with Kristian and Gustav?
(22:18) Olav’s Thoughts on Torque Training
(24:56) If Olav was working with Professional Runners would he use Cycling and Swimming as Training Modalities?
(30:38) What is the Difference of Adaptation Between an LT1 and LT2 Workout?
(35:30) Does Training at or under LT2 at Higher Volumes Raise LT2 Compared to Training Above LT2
(34:39) How Much VO2Max Training should you Do in a Week?
(44:14) How can you Build your Power/Pace Profile Correctly?
(44:47) How Can Somone Quantify Intensity as Part of Workload from the Swim and the Run?
(50:14) What is the Best Way to Train 4 Hour Power?
(53:00) What is the Role of Psychology and Visualisation in Performance Improvement?
(55:53) Olav’s Advice on How to get to Work With Elite Athletes
VO2Master
To benefit from our unique offer for a Free Assessment Kit with the purchase of an Analyzer Kit from VO2 Master, head to www.vo2master.com and enter code: OLAVMETHOD during checkout (Available for Online Orders Only). Discount valid from January 4, 2024 – March 31, 2024 only.
Find VO2Master at:
www.vo2master.com
On Instagram, Facebook, Twitter/X and YouTube all @VO2master On LinkedIn @ vo2-master
Maurten
To benefit from the discount code and get 20% off the Maurten 1/52 Collection, simply add the 1/52 Collection to your basket at Maurten.com and enter code TheNorwegianMethod at the checkout. Note the code can only be used twice per customer.
Find Maurten at:
Website - www.maurten.com
Instagram - @maurten_official
YouTube - Maurten Official - YouTube
Plasmaide
To try Plasmaide go to the Plasmaide website and use code NMP25 for a 25% discount on Plasmaide products.
Find plasmaide at:
www.plasmaide.co.uk and www.plasmaide.com.au
@plasmaide on Instagram, Plasmaide on LinkedIn and Facebook
Graphic Design by Georgia Humphreys
Introduction by Santara Studios
Produced and Edited by David Lipman

30 snips
Mar 7, 2024 • 38min
Norwegian Method Technology & Culture
Topics covered in the podcast include technology for age groupers, underutilized tech tools, common mistakes in tech usage, building team culture, high performing cultures, creating a new high performance environment, review process with athletes, and maintaining a growth mindset.

Feb 29, 2024 • 45min
Nutrition and the Norwegian Method
David and Olav discuss Olav's approach to nutrition for performance in triathlon, touching on fasted training, carbohydrates vs fat for fuel and body composition amongst other things.
(00:00) Introduction
(00:56) Fasted Training in the Context of Body Composition Change
(05:14) Changes in VO2Max with Bodyweight Change
(10:43) Changes in Velocity with Change in Bodyweight
(16:24) Training Motivation, Enjoyment and Food
(17:45) Nutrient Absorption Efficiency
(21:29) How Should Age Group Athletes Think About Caloric Needs and Fueling Given they can’t be as Precise as Olav is?
(22:47) Are Triathletes Trying to Optimize Body Composition Different in Approach to those who are not when it comes to Fueling?
(24:37) How Should Age Groupers Approach their Carbohydrate Intake During Races?
(27:48) Increased Intake and Driving Increased Absorption of Carbohydrates
(29:15) Carbohydrate use to Improve Glycogen Resynthesis to be Ready for more Intensity
(32:31) Fat vs Carbohydrate Oxidation and Heat Production
Article Olav mentions on Lactate Metabolism and gut microbiome in elite marathon runners:
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41591-019-0485-4
VO2Master
To benefit from our unique offer for a Free Assessment Kit with the purchase of an Analyzer Kit from VO2 Master, head to www.vo2master.com and enter code: OLAVMETHOD during checkout (Available for Online Orders Only). Discount valid from January 4, 2024 – March 31, 2024 only.
Find VO2Master at:
www.vo2master.com
On Instagram, Facebook, Twitter/X and YouTube all @VO2master On LinkedIn @ vo2-master
Maurten
To benefit from the discount code and get 20% off the Maurten 1/52 Collection, simply add the 1/52 Collection to your basket at Maurten.com and enter code TheNorwegianMethod at the checkout. Note the code can only be used twice per customer.
Find Maurten at:
Website - www.maurten.com
Instagram - @maurten_official
YouTube - Maurten Official - YouTube
Plasmaide
To try Plasmaide go to the Plasmaide website and use code NMP25 for a 25% discount on Plasmaide products.
Find plasmaide at:
www.plasmaide.co.uk and www.plasmaide.com.au
@plasmaide on Instagram, Plasmaide on LinkedIn and Facebook
Graphic Design by Georgia Humphreys
Introduction by Santara Studios
Produced and Edited by David Lipman

23 snips
Feb 22, 2024 • 50min
Norwegian Method for Running
In this episode of the Norwegian Method Podcast David and Olav cover running and the run leg of triathlon. They touch on training and injury risks with run training, run volume and longest runs in preparation for an Ironman. They also touch on use of "super shoes" in training.
(00:00) Introduction
(00:58) Does the Nature of Running Mean Prescription is Different Compared to Swimming & Cycling?
(03:04) The Biggest Injury Risk in Running
(04:50) Should there be a Lower Threshold to Skip Runs in an Age Grouper or is Appropriate Planning the Key?
(09:37) How to use Running Drills
(25:10) What’s the Longest Run that an Age Grouper Should do in Preparation for an Ironman?
(31:44) Two Dimensional Model for RPE
(38:54) In general is it Better to Intensify or Extensify run Training?
(40:33) How Much Time Should be Spent in vs out of Super shoes in Training?
(46:40) More Acute vs More Chronic Impacts of Super shoes
VO2Master
To benefit from our unique offer for a Free Assessment Kit with the purchase of an Analyzer Kit from VO2 Master, head to www.vo2master.com and enter code: OLAVMETHOD during checkout (Available for Online Orders Only). Discount valid from January 4, 2024 – March 31, 2024 only.
Find VO2Master at:
www.vo2master.com
On Instagram, Facebook, Twitter/X and YouTube all @VO2master On LinkedIn @ vo2-master
Maurten
To benefit from the discount code and get 20% off the Maurten 1/52 Collection, simply add the 1/52 Collection to your basket at Maurten.com and enter code TheNorwegianMethod at the checkout. Note the code can only be used twice per customer.
Find Maurten at:
Website - www.maurten.com
Instagram - @maurten_official
YouTube - Maurten Official - YouTube
Plasmaide
To try Plasmaide go to the Plasmaide website and use code NMP25 for a 25% discount on Plasmaide products.
Find plasmaide at:
www.plasmaide.co.uk and www.plasmaide.com.au
@plasmaide on Instagram, Plasmaide on LinkedIn and Facebook
Graphic Design by Georgia Humphreys
Introduction by Santara Studios
Produced and Edited by David Lipman

11 snips
Feb 15, 2024 • 50min
Cycling and the Norwegian Method
Olav Aleksander Bu, a Peak Human Performance Developer and coach to triathletes Christian Blumenfeldt and Gustav Iden, delves into strategies for optimizing cycling within triathlon training. He highlights the importance of swim-bike brick sessions for enhancing transitions and maintaining targeted power. The discussion covers the impact of gear selection and aerodynamics, emphasizing optimizing helmet choice and aero positions for better race performance. Olav also shares insights on balancing training volume and intensity to improve overall cycling efficiency.

9 snips
Feb 8, 2024 • 52min
Swimming with the Norwegian Method
This episode continues the application of the Norwegian Method to triathlon, specifically the swim leg. David and Olav discuss swimming drills, rep lengths, wetsuit selection and more.
(00:00) Introduction
(01:15) Where Can Age Groupers and Elites Gain Most in the Swim?
(06:30) Breaking up Swimming into Shorter Reps Rather than Longer Sets?
(09:05) Drills in swimming
(16:29) Long Repetitions vs Short Repsetitions for Specificity
(26:54) Open Water vs Pool Swimming
(31:09) How Much More Swimming Should Someone with a Really Poor Swim Leg do?
(42:16) How To Choose a Wetsuit ?
VO2Master
To benefit from our unique offer for a Free Assessment Kit with the purchase of an Analyzer Kit from VO2 Master, head to www.vo2master.com and enter code: OLAVMETHOD during checkout (Available for Online Orders Only). Discount valid from January 4, 2024 – March 31, 2024 only.
Find VO2Master at:
www.vo2master.com
On Instagram, Facebook, Twitter/X and YouTube all @VO2master On LinkedIn @ vo2-master
Maurten
To benefit from the discount code and get 20% off the Maurten 1/52 Collection, simply add the 1/52 Collection to your basket at Maurten.com and enter code TheNorwegianMethod at the checkout. Note the code can only be used twice per customer.
Find Maurten at:
Website - www.maurten.com
Instagram - @maurten_official
YouTube - Maurten Official - YouTube
Plasmaide
To try Plasmaide go to the Plasmaide website and use code NMP25 for a 25% discount on Plasmaide products.
Find plasmaide at:
www.plasmaide.co.uk and www.plasmaide.com.au
@plasmaide on Instagram, Plasmaide on LinkedIn and Facebook
Graphic Design by Georgia Humphreys
Introduction by Santara Studios
Produced and Edited by David Lipman
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